BMW 7 Series Sedan: Variants explained

BMW Malaysia offers a number of locally assembled luxury cars in the country and one of them is the 7 Series Sedan. The model is known for its ground-breaking exterior design, superior technology, and an efficient hybrid powertrain. It comes in two variants - BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence and 740Le xDrive M Sport with a price difference of RM 22000. Here we have a breakdown of the variant lineup to tell you what they offer that might help you in choosing the one right for you.

Let’s first take a look at their prices - 

BMW 7 Series Sedan price list

Variant	Price (on the road, with SST exemption, without insurance)
BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence	RM 544,352
BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport	RM 566,803

Moving to the engine specifications -

On this front, the BMW 7 Series variants are identical. Both are powered by the same plug-in hybrid setup that comprises a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine and an electric motor mated to a 12-kWh battery pack. The ICE churns out a maximum power output of 286 PS between 5000 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 450 Nm from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm, while the electric motor delivers 113 PS and 265 Nm. Together, they make 394 PS and 600 Nm.

As for the transmission, the luxury sedan has an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox that sends drive to all four corners with the help of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. 

On the performance front, the 7 Series can run from zero to 100 kmph in just 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 35.7 kmpl (2.8 litres per 100 km).

Now, let’s discuss their different exterior and interior styling and tech systems, starting with the 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence trim.

BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence

This is the entry-level 7 Series sedan in Malaysia that comes with the Pure Excellence appearance package. It has a gigantic kidney grille with Chrome high-gloss slats and ultra-modern BMW Laserlight headlamps on the front. Included in the exterior highlights are crisp contours on the bonnet, well-integrated air-intake curtains, ultra-thin LED light strip at the rear, 3D-designed LED tail lights, chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets, 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with mixed profile tyres, and a Panorama glass roof.

The colour options for the BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence are - Black Sapphire metallic, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect, Mineral White metallic, and Bernina Grey Amber effect.

Inside the cabin, the Pure Excellence Design package lends the sedan an ultra-luxurious look and feel. Key highlights are Nappa leather upholstery in Cognac or Black shades, fine-wood Poplar Grain Grey interior trimming, stylish sports steering wheel with a fine leather finish, and an Alcantara headliner.

It also has a bucketload of tech features including  

• Live Cockpit Professional system with two displays - a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display
• The infotainment unit is mated to BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, Gesture Control, and an iDrive system
• BMW Navigation Professional system
• BMW Connected Package Professional
• Electrically adjustable comfort seats and steering column
• Heat protection, and sun protection glazing
• Lumbar support for front seats 
• Massage function for rear-seat passengers
• Automatic four-zone control air-conditioning
• Soft-close function for doors
• Start/stop button
• Wireless charging
• Ambient mood lighting
• Head-up display
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Two 10-inch rear-seat entertainment touchscreen displays

As for safety and driver-assistance also, the BMW 7 Series specs sheet has a lot to offer. It includes

• Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assist
• Surround-view camera
• Active cruise control with Stop&Go function
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Change Assistant
• Lane Change Warning
• Lane Keeping Assistant 
• Front collision warning with brake intervention
• Crossing traffic warning front and rear
• Rear collision prevention
• Crossroads warning with city braking function

BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport

BMW introduced an M Sport Aerodynamic Package for the 7 Series in May this year. It adds exclusive M-specific detailings to the sedan that underlines its sporty character. These are: 

• M-specific kidney grille paired with BMW Laser headlights
• Larger air intakes with C-shaped brackets
• M Sport Aerodynamic Package with more aggressive-looking bumpers
• High Gloss Shadow Line side skirts
• A striking rocker panel
• 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Double-Spoke Style 647 M Bicolour with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres
• M Sport brakes with blue-painted brake calipers and an M badge
• M-specific exhaust tailpipes
• M badges on the sides

Other exterior things remain identical with the 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence.

BMW offers the 7 Series M Sport in four colours - Carbon Black metallic, Mineral White metallic, Donington Grey, and Bernina Grey Amber effect.

The interior of the 740Le xDrive M Sport is decked up with the ‘Fineline’ Fine Wood trim finished in Black with High Gloss Metal Effect. Other exclusive bits are BMW Individual Alcantara Anthracite headliner, Nappa leather upholstery in Black or Cognac, M Sport steering wheel, M-specific vehicle key, and M designation door sill finishers.

The tech features inside the cabin and driver assistance systems of the two variants are the same.

Summing up

If you are looking for a sporty luxury car, the 740Le xDrive M Sport is a good pick. It is best-suited for BMW purists. However, if you don't mind the lack of sporty detailing inside and out, you can go for the 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence.

Also read: BMW X4: Pros, cons & should you buy one?